Rumors swirl that DeMeco Ryans will become Texans’ new coach after ex-teammate JJ Watt posts pic of the two laughing together in Houston in 2011: Forty-Niners defensive coordinator ‘is considered the frontrunner for the job’
DeMeco Ryans appears to be the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans following a second interview and a cryptic tweet from former teammate JJ Watt.
Officially, Watt doesn’t haven’t a vote, but the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year did post a picture of himself alongside Ryans from their days with the Texans defense. Fans quickly presumed this to mean Ryans, the 38-year-old San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, was already in line for the job.
‘Does this mean what I think it means?’ asked sports journalist Jackson Grant.
JJ Watt posted a picture of himself alongside DeMeco Ryans from their days with the Texans defense. Fans quickly presumed this to mean Ryans, the 38-year-old San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, was already in line for the job
‘JJ Watt: DeMeco is coming back to Houston,’ one fan’s tweet began.
‘Us: Source?
‘JJ Watt: Trust me bro.’
Watt recently retired following two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Previously he spent the first decade of his career in Houston – including a season with Ryans playing behind him at middle linebacker.
Watt (left) recently retired following two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Previously he spent the first decade of his career in Houston – including a season with Ryans (right) playing behind him at middle linebacker
Under Ryans, the 49ers defense became the best in football in 2022, ranking first in points and yards allowed. San Francisco’s season came to an end on Sunday, when the 49ers fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 31-7, in the NFC Championship
In fact, Watt has already stumped for his former teammate.
‘As rookie in Houston, I bought my first house across the street from DeMeco because if Meco thought it was the right place to live, it was the right place to live for me,’ Watt tweeted on January 20.
‘Captain, leader, smart, tough, personable, crushed it as DC…
DeMeco Ryans played six seasons in Houston before being traded to Philadelphia
‘He will be a great head coach.’
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Ryans is the favorite to succeed fired coach Lovie Smith in Houston after the Texans’ defense ranked 30th in yards allowed and 27th in scoring.
Under Ryans, the 49ers defense became the best in football in 2022, ranking first in points and yards allowed. San Francisco’s season came to an end on Sunday, when the 49ers fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 31-7, in the NFC Championship.
Ryans has also been linked to other head-coaching vacancies in Denver and Indianapolis. However, there are conflicting reports about his interest in coaching the Broncos.
‘DeMaco Ryans (sic) tells Broncos he is not interested,’ Denver Gazette columnist Woody Paige reported. ‘He was their third No. 1 choice.’
CBS’ Josina Anderson contradicted that report later on Monday: ‘I’m told the Denver Broncos have not received notification that DeMeco Ryans has withdrawn from its head coach search. The organization is continuing the process of evaluating candidates, per league source.’
Watt has already stumped for his former teammate. ‘As rookie in Houston, I bought my first house across the street from DeMeco because if Meco thought it was the right place to live, it was the right place to live for me,’ Watt tweeted on January 20
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